Black Bean Deli-WP — Restaurant in Winter Park

Our buddy John tipped Chas and I off to a spot near Orlando that had a killer Cuban sandwich so right away my interest was peaked. We were staying near Orlando at the time so we hopped into the car and drove to Winter Park to check out Black Bean Deli. We got some various appetizer type things as well but the points of focus here are the Media Noche, The Cuban, and the Pan Con Bistec. It would be foolish of me to not also mention that anytime we hit an establishment like this if they offer a Cafe con Leche ... we get it. The woman at the counter was very nice and helpful and the business had plenty of tables/was well lit and clean.

Started off by trying the Media Noche. I enjoyed this very much but I did miss the pickles on it (they were available by request but we wanted to get an idea for it with/without) and although I loved this bread, I do think I prefer the bread the Cuban comes on. This was like a sandwich on a sweet piece of cornbread almost. Again that is not to say I didn't highly enjoy it...I'm just partial to the bread of the Cuban.

Tried out Chas' Pan con Bistec next. This was steak with sautéed onion, crispy fried potatoes, and a smooth salsa like sauce on the same bread the Cuban comes on. I was nervous the steak would have a lot of bite and be hard to chew but that couldn't be further from the truth. Absolutely a sandwich you should try, especially if you aren't big on the things that come on a Cuban.

The Cuban is exactly what I had hoped it would be and was craving. The pork was delicious and juicy, the ham had a great flavor and texture, the bread was the exact flavor I wanted, and the pickles/mustard/swiss all rounded out and complimented the other flavors of the sandwich. A properly built Cuban is honestly one of my favorite styles of sandwich by far.

The Cafe con Leche was delicious! I am not big on sweet things/drinks but this is one I make an exception for every single time. The coffee was strong and the sweetness was even stronger. Excellent Beverage. Black Bean Deli 100% -...

I had never been to BBD and decided to give them a try. I went twice this past weekend to this location and the experience was like night and day from one visit to the next.

On Friday, I stopped by and was not only greeted but taken care by a nice, friendly and attentive cashier. I got a chicken empanada and a side salad for a snack and got served super fast and was able to eat inside a but oast lunchtime.

On Sunday, we were greeted after we got the menus, which listed what was going to be available for the following day. The person that took our order was friendly and attentive and made good suggestions. What was odd was that he told us that he was told that we had to get our food to go to not rush us out of the restaurant. I guess they were going to close soon? That would had been good to know before allowing us to place our order. We did not want to be rushed but there were people still dining and the ladies that ordered after us sat and enjoyed what they ordered. That sure did not leave a good experience that I clearly got before.

We got our food and asked the manager? Why we were not allowed to sit as there were other customers dining before and after us? We didn't get a clear answer and seemed sort of lenient to allows us to sit. We ate and left before any of the other customers, so not sure what went on between the kitchen staff and front end staff, but they sure made my party's experience not a good one. Such a shame since I did enjoy my first visit.

As for the food, we ordered shredded beef empanadas, ham croquetas, Cuban sandwich, Cuban frita burger (too many spices in one a greasy), salad bowl with picadillo and a salad bowl with chopped chicken. The salad bowls were good but wished they had more veggie variety and a bit more protein. The empanadas and croquetas were good and made to order.

Not sure if we will visit again soon or if maybe we would get a better...

Es verdad: THE BEST CUBAN SANDWICH IN ORLANDO (and maybe anywhere).

If you’re a fan of this classic fare, do not miss The Black Bean Deli - a hometown original. There are multiple locations across the metro, but our favorite is in Winter Park off Orange Avenue.

This spot is an oasis in the urban jungles of Central Florida, nestled along a hip neighborhood stretch with a growing gaggle of cool restaurants and shops. The decor is sliced from the Hispanic influences and art deco of Miami Beach, and I encourage you to find the quaint outdoor patio - where you’ll be serenaded by Bossanova and hip modern tunes.

We love the staff at this joint. Kind, eclectic, and so willing to help. They make it fun, and we dig supporting a local business that supports a diverse community with events like book drives and other cool stuff.

The Cuban sandwich is a no-brainer, but you can also shake things up with the Medianoche - a slightly sweeter bread that transforms the traditional recipe and gives it a new twist.

We’re huge fans of the chopped chicken bowls - so filling, and the fresh dressing is tantalizing (you’ll want more). If you’re hungry, I recommend the pork plate. The rice, beans, salad, and plantains - by GOD, the plantains - will leave you more than satisfied. The Frita Burger is also a one-of-kind excursion from the typical fare, and so worth a try.

OMG… the yuca fries. Bring a friend - you won’t be able to finish them yourself.

Wash it down with a Palma or a Topo Chico, and you’ll be saying “te amo.”

Make sure you try the pasties! They have both savory and sweet offerings, like the guava pastelitos or ham croquetas, all worth exploring. Breakfast is also a treat. Oh… and for the love of all things, TRY THE CAFE CON LECHE! Best. Ever.

BTW - both dine-in and takeout...